How to stain fence and build trellis?

Meow

Hi everyone!

I’m a complete beginner to the world of home improvement and would love some help and advice on a project I’m just starting. I recently had a wooden fence installed on 18/08/2025, and I'm planning to:

• Stain the fence, and

• Build a diamond-pattern trellis to train star jasmine (like in the image I've attached!).

Fence Staining:

I've been doing a bit of video watching and reading, but as a newbie, I'm a bit confused (and maybe biting off more than I can chew? 😅). Here's what I think the steps are, but please feel free to correct or improve them:

1. Let the wood season – Some say to wait 4–6 weeks, others say longer, and some say it depends on the moisture. What’s the go-to rule here?

2. Pre-wash the fence – I’ve read that I should clean the timber before staining. I don’t have a pressure washer, so I was thinking of using a hand pump pressure sprayer.
   ➤ Also not sure what prewash product to use — I've seen suggestions for timber prep, sugar soap, oxalic acid...? 

3. Choose a stain – Thinking of an oil-based stain

4. Apply with a brush – Planning to use a natural fibre brush to brush it on.

Does this process sound about right? And does anyone have recommendations for products like stain brands/colours, prep washes, or brushes? I’d really appreciate hearing what would work for someone who has limited experience and tools. 

Trellis for Star Jasmine

I’d also like to create a diamond-pattern trellis (see image!) on the fence, framed out to look nice and neat.

My plan:

• Screw in small screws or eyelets in a diamond layout.

• Use galvanised tie wire to wrap around the screws to create the diamond pattern.

My questions:

• Will this method be strong enough to support the weight of mature star jasmine over time?

• Are there particular types of screws, wire, or methods that are more reliable or long-lasting?

• Should I pre-drill or seal anything to avoid damage to the timber?

Any tips, advice, or product suggestion would be so appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Meow. It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about staining a wooden fence.

You’re definitely not biting off more than you can chew here. Your plan is solid, and with a bit of prep you’ll get a great result.

For the fence staining, you’ve got the right steps in mind. With new timber, the general rule is to let it weather for 4–6 weeks before applying stain. This will allow it to weather naturally, allowing the stain to penetrate properly. Given your fence went in mid-August, you’ll be right to stain by late September. Before staining, give the timber a clean with a dedicated timber prep product rather than sugar soap. These products contain oxalic acid, which helps open the timber’s pores and remove tannins or surface contaminants. A garden sprayer or hand pump is fine for applying it, followed by a good scrub with a stiff broom and rinse with the hose. Once dry, you can go ahead with staining. An oil-based stain is a good choice, as it soaks into the timber, nourishes it, and gives you a more forgiving finish. Use a wide, quality brush (natural or synthetic fibre) and work in manageable sections so you can maintain a wet edge for an even coat.

For the trellis, your screw-and-wire diamond pattern is a great approach. Galvanised or stainless-steel screws will give you long-term durability, and galvanised wire will hold up well outdoors. Wrapping the wire around screws or using eyelets both work. Eyelets just make threading a bit neater. Star jasmine isn’t overly heavy compared to something like a wisteria, so your setup will be strong enough if you space your screws evenly and tension the wire as you go. It’s always a good idea to pre-drill screw holes to avoid splitting the timber, and if you want to go the extra mile, dab a little oil into the holes before driving the screws to protect the timber over time.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell